Pasig Representative Roman Romulo flagged the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) signed last week by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and other key agencies, not only because its signing was held at the five-star Hilton Hotel but also because of its “confused” goals for the senior high school curriculum.

At the hearing TESDA Executive Director for Qualifications and Standards Office El Cid Castillo explained that one of the JMCs aims to integrate Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) into all senior high school (SHS) tracks. Also enjoining the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Labor and Employment, the JMC aims to equip the youth with industry-relevant skills and knowledge, significantly enhancing their workforce readiness and employability.

However, the JMC earned the scrutiny of Congress Committee on Basic Education and Culture Chairperson Romulo, who said the program’s solution of applying TVET in all SHS tracks disregards other SHS students who are gearing for an academic pursuit in higher education institutions. 

“Ang promise of K-12 is for those who want to work, pupuntang TVL track, job ready… kasi nagdagdag kayo ng dalawang taon eh. Pero para sa pupunta sa kolehiyo ang commitment mo was college-ready… So why are you embedding and confusing now the learners…” Romulo said.

While TESDA’s Castillo said DepEd agreed to the proposition of embedding TVET in all SHS curriculum, DepEd Assistant Secretary of Curriculum and Instruction Alma Ruby Torio clarified that the education department “initially agreed” but only on the condition of applying TVET in certain tracks and where “appropriate,” citing the wording of one of the JMC objectives. 

DepEd said its agreement to the JMC stems from the initial review that has identified certain SHS tracks eligible for TVET embedment. A full review is ongoing in line with the agency’s overall assessment of the SHS curriculum which is part of its work to launch the new K-10 MATATAG Curriculum next year. 

“We are in the process of reviewing our senior high school curriculum so this embedment is part of the review,” Torio added. 

To his dismay over the unfinished assessment, Romulo questioned why the agencies had to sign the agreement at the five-star Hilton Hotel. 

The May 10 signing ceremony was attended by DepEd Undersecretary Michael Wesley Poa, representing Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte; TESDA Deputy Director General Rosanna Urdaneta, representing TESDA Director General Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu; Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma; and Commissioner Ethel Valenzuela, representing CHED Chairman Prospero De Vera III.

The ceremonial signing event was also attended by the commissioners of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), along with representatives from various government agencies, developmental partners, labor groups, and academic institutions, who have expressed their commitments in the collaborative effort to bolster the country’s education and workforce readiness initiatives.